94 employers awarded $4.8 million in talent grants

HealthConstructionManufacturingTechAgriculture

Jul 2

West Michigan Works! today announced that 94 regional employers have been awarded $4.8 million in the Going PRO Talent Fund 2024 Cycle 2 grants. The awards will support the training of 919 new hires, 387 new apprentices and 1,263 incumbent workers, significantly boosting job growth, skill development and workforce capabilities across multiple industries.

The Cycle 2 application process saw significant interest, with 628 companies expressing their desire to participate. Of these, 174 applications were submitted to the state and 94 have received funding. An additional four awards are pending, which could bring the total to 98 funded applications.

"The Going PRO Talent Fund supports regional economic development. The grants are crucial for our regional economy, providing the necessary resources for businesses to upskill their workforce and remain competitive," said Amy Lebednick, business solutions director, West Michigan Works!. "We are proud to see such strong engagement from local businesses. The funding is a testament to the commitment of West Michigan employers to invest in their workforce and drive economic growth in our region."

Kent County received the most grants, with 52 awards. Ottawa County follows with 20 grants, while Muskegon County received six, Allegan County five, and Montcalm and Ionia counties received two grants each.

The Going PRO Talent Fund grants will benefit several industries, with manufacturing receiving the highest number of awards at 54. Construction, which includes mobility, energy and infrastructure, follows with 20 awards, healthcare with 8, agribusiness with 4 and information technology with 3. Additionally, five awards were distributed across other sectors.

"This funding will not only benefit employers but will also profoundly impact individual employees," said Lebednick. "By equipping workers with new skills and opportunities for advancement, we're helping them build more secure and prosperous futures for themselves and their families."

The Going PRO Talent Fund is awarding over 300 businesses $17.8 million in statewide grants for Cycle 2.

In January 2024, during cycle 1, West Michigan Works! announced that 222 West Michigan businesses would receive a combined $15.8 million in Going PRO Talent Fund awards to help train, develop, and retain more than 3,400 current workers, apprentices, and newly hired employees.

For more information on the Going PRO Talent Fund and the application process, please contact West Michigan Works! at westmiworks.org/employers/going-pro-talent-fund/.